{"id":9823,"date":"2021-07-12T12:35:48","date_gmt":"2021-07-12T11:35:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/?p=9823"},"modified":"2025-12-18T06:40:23","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T06:40:23","slug":"best-places-to-live-in-iceland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/best-places-to-live-in-iceland\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Places to Live in Iceland"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"770\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/akureyri-iceland.jpg\" alt=\"Town of Akureyri in North Iceland on a summer day\" class=\"wp-image-9957\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/akureyri-iceland.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/akureyri-iceland-300x175.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/akureyri-iceland-768x449.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image source: Shutterstock \/ Location: Akureyri, Iceland<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Iceland offers a unique and captivating environment to those seeking a new place to call home with its otherworldly landscapes, vibrant culture, and high standard of living. Here are the best places to live in Iceland, highlighting what makes them unique and why they&#8217;re great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e0ec9480e36\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e0ec9480e36\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/best-places-to-live-in-iceland\/#What_is_it_like_living_in_Iceland\" >What is it like living in Iceland?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/best-places-to-live-in-iceland\/#Where_to_live_in_Iceland\" >Where to live in Iceland?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/best-places-to-live-in-iceland\/#Reykjavik\" >Reykjavik<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/best-places-to-live-in-iceland\/#Akureyri\" >Akureyri<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/best-places-to-live-in-iceland\/#Hafnarfjordur\" >Hafnarfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/best-places-to-live-in-iceland\/#Seydisfjordur\" >Sey\u00f0isfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/best-places-to-live-in-iceland\/#Kopavogur\" >K\u00f3pavogur<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/best-places-to-live-in-iceland\/#Husavik\" >H\u00fasav\u00edk<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/best-places-to-live-in-iceland\/#Where_else_to_live_in_Iceland\" >Where else to live in Iceland?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/best-places-to-live-in-iceland\/#Selfoss\" >Selfoss<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/best-places-to-live-in-iceland\/#Vestmannaeyjar\" >Vestmannaeyjar<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/best-places-to-live-in-iceland\/#Cities_and_places_that_you_should_avoid\" >Cities and places that you should avoid<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/best-places-to-live-in-iceland\/#Takeaways\" >Takeaways<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_it_like_living_in_Iceland\"><\/span>What is it like living in Iceland?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Iceland is an earthly paradise and a place of contrasts. Cooled lava, sparkling glaciers, hot geysers, active volcanoes, and ice meets the land. The country is over 1,000 years old but is modern in almost every aspect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland has a mild climate, despite being located further in the northmost area of the world. Tourists and locals can relish stunning cliffs, waterfalls, and plains. The breathtaking Northern Lights are seen in Iceland as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the best places to live in Iceland are the capital Reykjavik, Akureyri, Hafnarfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur, Sey\u00f0isfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur, K\u00f3pavogur, and H\u00fasav\u00edk. In this article, we are going to cover everything that you need to know about them, share with you other interesting places to relocate to, and, of course &#8211; tell you about the areas that you should avoid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_live_in_Iceland\"><\/span>Where to live in Iceland?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, like every other country in the world, living in Iceland has its advantages and disadvantages. But we can all agree on one thing &#8211; the country certainly has a lot to offer in terms of nature and living conditions. That said, if you are set on moving to Iceland, but don\u2019t know exactly <em>how <\/em>to do so, our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/moving-to-iceland-from-uk\/\">moving from the UK to Iceland<\/a> guide might be of help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Where&#8217;s the best place to live in Iceland?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reykjavik\"><\/span>Reykjavik<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and is the largest city, with a population of over 200,000 residents. The city is on the southwest coast of the country and has been the capital of Reykjavik since the 19th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reykjavik is popular for its livelihood. This is especially true during the long nights in the summer when the sun does not set at all (figuratively speaking). The houses are very colourful and attract visitors to the city all year round. Reykjavik is smaller compared to the other capitals in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the winter, its buildings are covered in ice. In the summer, people can rejoice in the music and hectic life. The capital, as in most countries, is the place where you will find the most and best job opportunities. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/costs-of-living-in-iceland\/\">cost of living in Iceland<\/a> is high as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Akureyri\"><\/span>Akureyri<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a harbour town that offers many outdoor activities, such as skiing and fishing. You can go hiking, rafting, bird-watching, and horseback riding. The town offers plenty of art galleries, cultural sights, and many small, traditional restaurants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Botanical Garden is one of the must-see places. It contains displays of every Icelandic plant and herb. Akureyri has large green spaces. They are used by locals for growing crops and for feeding their herds of animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you settle in Akureyri, your daily life in Iceland can involve snowcat tours in the mountains. You can also go skiing on Eyjafj\u00f6rdur Fjord whenever you like. Another attractive option is evening journeys to watch the Aurora Borealis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both expats who are accommodated in Akureyri and locals can take the Arctic Coast Way. This is a 900-kilometre trip along some of the most distant northern Iceland areas. It includes the 21 fishing villages in the most northern point. Akureyri also hosts various exhibitions, festivals, and concerts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hafnarfjordur\"><\/span>Hafnarfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hafnarfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur is located several miles away from the capital and is the third-largest town in the country. It has an important role in the trade of goods via the Arctic Circle. The city is a tourist attraction, with several festivals and cultural events taking place every year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are the Bright Days Festival, the Viking Festival, and some others. Hafnarfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur is the centre of rock \u2018n\u2019 roll in Iceland. It urges tourists from America and Europe to visit the country every year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are looking for a more interesting and eventful place to live, Hafnarfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur is one of the best places to live in Iceland. And let\u2019s not forget to mention that the town is the hub of Viking culture &#8211; how awesome is that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Seydisfjordur\"><\/span>Sey\u00f0isfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sey\u00f0isfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur is a place with a vibrant art scene and buzzing creativity. If you want to get close to nature and look after plants and animals, Sey\u00f0isfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur is one of the best places to live in Iceland. It provides vast green areas and stunning landscapes, which make the town suitable for agriculture and farming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you become a resident of the town, you can take hikes to the top of the mountains whenever you wish. This is possible thanks to the fact that the town sits at the innermost part of a fjord. Sey\u00f0isfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur attracts tourists annually, so tourism is a major branch of the economy in the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kopavogur\"><\/span>K\u00f3pavogur<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>K\u00f3pavogur enchants tourists with its impressive landscape and vividly colourful architecture. It is situated several kilometres away from Reykjavik. The city is the second-most populated place in the country, with over 30,000 inhabitants. It is currently undergoing speedy development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Expats are welcome to both buy and rent properties in K\u00f3pavogur. Another place worth mentioning and visiting there is the K\u00f3pavogur Church, which rises high up in the sky. If you settle in K\u00f3pavogur or visit it, you can also check out the fascinating K\u00f3pavogur Art Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Husavik\"><\/span>H\u00fasav\u00edk<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>H\u00fasav\u00edk is the largest town in the northwest part of the country and is of historical significance. It is said to be the first place where people settled in Iceland. The story goes that a fleet of Vikings arrived in H\u00fasav\u00edk and left behind a soldier and two slaves. They built a farm and started their life in the town. H\u00fasav\u00edk is a tourist centre and visitors of the place can watch whales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_else_to_live_in_Iceland\"><\/span>Where else to live in Iceland?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are two more cities, which British expats can choose for permanent living:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Selfoss\"><\/span>Selfoss<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Selfoss is a bit sleepy place as it is underpopulated, especially compared to the capital. This, as well as the low property prices, are two reasons for new inhabitants to choose it as a place to live. If you decide to settle in Selfoss, you can actually build a farm and bungalow. Selfoss also hosts an annual summer festival, during which the locals sell their homemade food and crafts and decorate the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vestmannaeyjar\"><\/span>Vestmannaeyjar<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Vestmannaeyjar is another almost deserted area in the country. It has a very, very small population. The town is perfect for immigrants who seek a fresh new start in life. Vestmannaeyjar archipelago is south of Iceland and has enchanting scenery and nature. Tourists and expats will surely feel welcomed in this small town.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"cta_container_holder\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"title\">Your international move can be so much easier!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/contact-us\/\" class=\"btn-regular btn-gfq\">Contact Us<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"info_text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>For questions about the services we offer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/\">visit our main site<\/a> or you can always call us at <a href=\"tel:\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cities_and_places_that_you_should_avoid\"><\/span>Cities and places that you should avoid<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There aren\u2019t particular places that you should steer clear of in Iceland &#8211; the country is listed as one of the safest and best places to live in. However, if you are on a tight budget, you better avoid the capital Reykjavik &#8211; it is the most expensive place in the country. It is also highly populated and not suitable for those who seek a quiet life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check also:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/best-places-to-live-in-scotland\/\">Best Places to Live in Scotland<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/best-places-to-live-in-northern-ireland\/\">Best Places to Live in Northern Ireland<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/best-places-to-live-in-norway\/\">Best Places to Live in Norway<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Takeaways\"><\/span>Takeaways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Living in Iceland has its pros and cons. Overall, it is a great place to choose, especially for English speakers. UK expats will feel at home anywhere in this country. The official language is Icelandic and if you plan on staying there for long, make sure to learn it. Yet, almost all locals know English, so in the beginning, you won\u2019t have any problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Providing high-quality <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">removals in London<\/a>, Fantastic Removals is at your disposal for your safe and easy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/international-removals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">relocation from the UK<\/a> to any country that you prefer!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Iceland offers a unique and captivating environment to those seeking a new place to call home with its otherworldly landscapes, vibrant culture, and high standard of living. Here are the best places to live in Iceland, highlighting what makes them unique and why they&#8217;re great. What is it like living in Iceland? Iceland is an&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":9957,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[496,623],"class_list":{"0":"post-9823","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-moving-abroad","8":"tag-guide","9":"tag-international"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9823","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9823"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9823\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21583,"href":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9823\/revisions\/21583"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9957"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9823"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9823"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9823"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}